I rode as medical support on the 100 the first year and am doing it again this year. Sounds like the course is going to be pretty similar to the first year. The bald peak section is tough its a pretty steep grade don't know the numbers but I am sure some one does. Luckily I got smart and put a compact crankset on the bike last year. We never saw Lance the first year except at the start but I heard allot of people got to ride with him last year.